BTHA heads to Parliament as first House of Commons reception is hailed a success

The Association will look to repeat the event next year, emphasising industry issues it feels need political support.

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The BTHA implemented its latest step towards a closer relationship with British members of Parliament earlier this week with its first Parliamentary reception in the House of Commons.

The event – Giving the Gift of Play – was a cross-party event sponsored by Andrea Leadsom MP held in order to celebrate Britain’s toy manufacturing sector, as well a various aspects of the BTHA’s work.

Deputy Leader Michael Ellis MP and the BTHA’s local constituency, MP Neil Coyle were among 35 attending MPs who each had the opportunity to select a children’s charity to receive a selection of toys for Christmas.

Ellis and Coyle both spoke at the event, praising the vitality of the industry and the positive work of the BTHA and its members.

Kerri Atherton, public affairs manager at the BTHA, said: “It was a fantastic and very unique occasion for the toy industry to celebrate the importance of play with MPs, Lords and civil servants.

“We are thrilled to have received the support of so many MPs from across the country keen to learn about the work of the Associations and its members. Thank you to all those who joined in this celebration.”

The BTHA now plans to repeat the event next year with an emphasis on issues felt in need of political support.

Following two consecutive years of NPD-reported market growth, the BTHA expects to be going into another strong year for toy sales as London’s Toy Fair ranks up a 70 per cent exhibitor return rate for next year’s show.